The latest on California politics and government

April 23, 2013

Gov. Jerry Brown said today that a man was arrested "a couple of days ago" trying to break into his Sacramento loft building.

Brown said he was not home at the time and did not think the intruder knew he lived in the building.

"A guy ... got in, got up to the roof, jumped down on the balcony and was trying to break in," Brown told reporters after mentioning the incident in a speech today at a Crime Victims United rally at the Capitol. "One of my neighbors called the police, and he was arrested, and I think he's out on his own recognizance."

The Sacramento Police Department's daily activity log lists an arrest on a prowling charge in the 1500 block of J Street on Sunday night. The one-bedroom unit Brown rents is in the 1530 J St. building across from Memorial Auditorium.

Police said Jamal Johnson, 26, was arrested on suspicion of prowling.

In a separate incident, Brown said three men were found "trying to break in" to his house in Oakland early one morning about a year ago, while his wife, first lady Anne Gust Brown, was home alone.

Brown said California Highway Patrol officers held the three men for about 40 minutes before deferring to Oakland police and deciding to let them go. He said the men claimed they were looking to buy real estate in the neighborhood.

Editor's note: Post was updated at 5:20 p.m. to include information about Jamal Johnson.

PHOTO CREDIT: Gov. Jerry Brown speaks with a participant at a Crime Victims United rally at the Capitol following a speech on Tuesday, April 23, 2013. David Siders / Sacramento Bee